Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet

Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Juicy, herb-packed meatballs, tender orzo, and a zesty tomato sauce come together for a satisfying and comforting meal.

This dish takes inspiration from traditional Greek cuisine, where bold flavors and simple ingredients shine.

It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress guests with a hearty, flavorful meal.

The best part?

Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This

• One-Pan Convenience – Less mess, less stress, and fewer dishes to wash!
• Bold Mediterranean Flavors – A delicious combination of garlic, oregano, lemon, and feta.
• Protein-Packed and Filling – Juicy meatballs paired with orzo for a well-balanced meal.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and enjoy flavorful leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisines: Greek, Mediterranean
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $12-$15

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Skillet:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, cumin, feta, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and roll into small meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 5-6 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Simmer the Skillet: Add broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the Meatballs: Nestle the meatballs back into the skillet. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with feta and fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh parsley and oregano enhance the dish’s Mediterranean flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Meatballs – Mixing too much can make them dense; gently combine for a tender texture.
• Toast the Orzo First – This adds a nutty depth of flavor to the dish.
• Let It Rest Before Serving – A few minutes off the heat allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Common Questions

Can I make this with ground chicken or turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works well but may need an extra splash of olive oil for moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish reheats well—store it in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth.

What can I serve with this?
A simple Greek salad, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.

Can I use a different pasta?
Orzo is ideal, but you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous.

Enjoy your homemade Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet!

Let me know how it turns out.

Happy cooking!